Reducing your travel footprint

Undeniably, each arrival has an environmental cost. You’ve probably heard that old adage “Take only pictures, leave only footprints” – what can you do to have a positive impact and reduce your travel footprint? Eco Volunteer Travel’s eco-friendly travel tips can help. Some steps are small; others require a bit more planning, but they can all make a difference—especially if we do them together.

Pack your environmental ethics

Even the most environmentally conscious consumers tend to leave their green routines at home. In fact, the majority of travellers ignore their usual eco-friendly habits, such as using less water and turning off the lights, while on the road. Most people aren’t as concerned about the planet when they’re travelling—80 percent have never taken an eco-friendly vacation. When you’re out and about, try to keep up the good habits you have at home.

One organisation in India at the forefront of sustainable tourism is ‘EcoHomeStaysIndia’. It advances in energy management, water conservation and community outreach with basic facilities compensating for hotel luxuries.

Can’t book eco-certified accommodation? Look for comfortable yet basic options. Smaller rooms with fewer amenities use less resources, and newer hotels are likely more energy-efficient.

Choose a responsible tour provider

Ten years after the UN declared 2002 the International Year of Ecotourism, it’s never been easier to book eco-conscious trips. All over the world, there are tour companies with sustainability in mind. Read how to evaluate responsible tour companies or see a checklist of important questions to ask when booking travel. If you’re looking to explore, enjoy and protect the planet, we recommend Natural Habitat Adventures, the official conservation travel partner for the World Wildlife Fund and a leader in responsible nature travel for more than 25 years (even better—it’s the world’s first 100-percent carbon-neutral travel company). We also love G Adventures, who integrate sustainability into every decision they make while offering unforgettable small-group adventures, averaging just 10 to 15 travellers per trip. In 2003, they started the Planeterra Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and support of small communities around the globe, and offer a wealth of information for the conscientious traveller, such as these sustainable travel tips. Other outdoor adventure experts committed to responsible travel are listed in the directories of the International Ecotourism Society and Sustainable Travel International.

Give back through donations or Volunteer Work

Make a positive impact on the community or destination you visit by giving back—donate or volunteer with a local environmental organization or pitch in at a roadside cleanup, for example. Or combine your love of travel with philanthropy by taking part in the growing “voluntourism” movement. Imagine contributing—in a very tangible way—to conservation efforts. We promise you’ll gain new perspective and make the world a better place.

Choose green transportation

Reduce your dependence on travel options that incur large carbon footprints. Not surprisingly, air travel is the worst offender, accounting for four to nine percent of the total climate change impact of human activity. According to Sustainable Travel International’s carbon calculator, a round-trip economy-class flight from Toronto to Delhi generates carbon dioxide emissions of over four tons per person! Seek other methods of transportation when possible—trains and buses are far more energy-efficient. If you must fly, take the most direct route, and check out Greenopia’s airline ratings. Kudos to Costa Rica-based Nature Air, the first airline to offset 100 percent of its carbon emissions.

Plan ahead and come up with creative, car-less ways to explore an area. The planet (and your wallet) will thank you. Check Google Transit to see your options (bus, subway, streetcar, water taxi, etc.). And there’s no better way to get to know an area than by walking or cycling—look for bike-share programs. If you must rent a vehicle, look for car-sharing services or choose a hybrid or fuel-efficient car.

To further reduce your trip’s emissions, you can buy carbon offsets. Visit Sustainable Travel International to learn about this innovative idea, calculate your carbon footprint and purchase offsets.

Have a “staycation”

Take a vacation where you live! A “staycation” is not only kind to your finances and the planet, but also less stressful than going abroad. Support your local economy while enjoying all the things in your city that you’re usually too busy to appreciate. Visit parks, museums, festivals and neighbourhoods you’ve never explored. Find a green event. If possible, ditch the car and walk, take public transit or ride a bike.

Use your staycation to (literally) get a taste of where you live. Try local cuisine, visit a farmers’ market or tour a farm. Learn more about your region’s specialties and embark on culinary adventures.

Slow down and spend time with nature. Visit parks or green spaces. Take your family to the beach or lake. No matter where you go, tread lightly. For tips on enjoying the great outdoors responsibly, visit our resources or write to us.

Every action helps. With almost a billion tourists on the move each year, it’s more important than ever for travellers to minimize their environmental impact. Protect the places you visit and live in—not only for yourself, but for future generations of explorers.

We always love to hear from you. Are you planning an eco-conscious vacation or travel, or do you have eco travel tips to share? E-mail us at – info@ecovolunteertravel.com

Eco Commitment

Those who volunteer-travel with EcoVolunteerTravel India do so with a committment to and the assurance of contributing to conservation of the ecosystems and cultures we visit, both as individuals and as an organisation.

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